Things to do in  South Iceland

There’s a lot to see in Iceland, and the grand Golden Circle (Gullni Hringurinn) is your ticket to easily hitting multiple popular sights, especially if you only have one day to venture outside Reykjavik. Departing from the city, Golden Circle tours showcase geysers, waterfalls, lava fields, volcanic craters, and Icelandic horses. There aren’t many other places in Europe where you can see so much topographical variety on one short trip.

The massive Gullfoss waterfall on the Hvítá River plunges 105 feet (32 meters) in two steps over a deep, dramatic crevasse in a river valley. The falls are considered one of Iceland’s most treasured natural wonders, with a name inspired by the phenomenon when glacial sediment in the water turns the falls golden in the sunlight.

A place of stark, wild beauty, this black-sand beach on Iceland's south coast is one of the country's most photogenic locations. Here, roaring Atlantic waves batter the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the black pebble shoreline, and the pyramid-like cliff of basalt columns known as Garðar, where you can spot puffins and guillemots.

A glacial tongue extending out from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, Sólheimajökull is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Iceland and one of the most popular spots for glacier walks and ice climbing. The frozen surface is crisscrossed by rugged ridges, deep crevasses, and streams, and dotted with sinkholes and ice formations.

Stretching 82 feet (25 meters) across the Skógá River and plunging 197 feet (60 meters) down a lush cliff, Skógafoss clocks in as one of Iceland’s biggest, most picturesque waterfalls. Its clouds of spray regularly create vivid rainbows, much to the delight of photographers, while fishermen flock to the waterway for its char and salmon. Said to be the site of a hidden Viking treasure, the waterfall is also the subject of local folklore.

A slim cascade of water slicing through the air and pooling in the Seljalands River below, Seljalandsfoss might not be Iceland’s mightiest waterfall, but it’s certainly one of its most famous. Plunging from a height of around 197 feet (60 meters), the cascade forms a dramatic arch of water that dominates the picturesque Thórsmörk valley. And because the falls’ chute of water is so narrow, you can also step behind it.

The Great Geysir (Great Geyser) is considered the world’s original geyser, as the source of the English word after which all other geysers are named. While this natural phenomenon in Iceland’s Haukadalur valley is now almost dormant, the Great Geysir and its surrounding geothermal field are still impressive geological sites and popular stops for anyone exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Close to the attractions of Iceland’s Golden Circle but far from the crowds of the more famous Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon offers natural hot springs and a remote location surrounded by icy wilderness and rugged lava fields. Its soothing hot water is highly recommended for those looking to relax and unwind. It’s easy to reach, as it’s a regular stop on day tours from Reykjavík.

Langjökull is the second-largest glacier in Iceland, covering some 360 square miles (930 square kilometers) and concealing at least two active volcanic systems. The glacier feeds some of Iceland’s most iconic sites, including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. Its geothermal areas, lava fields, and ice caves—which offer opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and more—make it a must-see destination for adventure seekers.

Located at the confluence of the Þjórsá and Fossá rivers, Hjálparfoss waterfall cascades over a 31-foot (10-meter) basalt cliff. The lava-strewn landscape that surrounds the waterfall is courtesy of the nearby Hekla volcano, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. During the warmer months, spot Icelandic horses grazing in the surrounding grasslands.

West Iceland’s Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring is famed as the highest flowing hot spring in Europe. With a rapid flow rate of 40 gallons (180 liters) per second, the spring produces so much energy that much of its water is used for heating Icelandic homes. It’s a great place to understand how Icelanders harness the power of their natural environment.

Covering more than 270 square miles (700 square kilometers) and reaching a thickness of as much as 2,460 feet (750 meters) in places, this vast glacier is Iceland’s fourth largest. It sits atop the active Katla Volcano, which has erupted many times over the centuries, spewing meltwater, rock fragments, and ash into the air.

The snow-coated peak of Hekla Volcano is one of the most memorable landmarks of Iceland’s South Coast, looming 4,891 feet (124 meters) over the surrounding lava fields. But beyond its picturesque facade, Hekla has a reputation for being one of the most active volcanoes in the country. It’s erupted more than 20 times since 874, earning it the nickname the Gateway to Hell.

Just off the Ring Road, in the heart of Iceland’s countryside, you’ll find one of the country’s most popular museums. Founded in 1949, Skogar Museum is a cultural heritage collection of around 15,000 artifacts exhibited in three museums and six historical buildings. Together, they tell rich stories about Icelandic social history.

Situated in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Ljótipollur Lake is made up of deep turquoise waters surrounded by the dramatic, uninhabited landscape of the Landmannalaugar highlands. Visit this striking site in southern Iceland to admire the lake and the steep basalt and lava cliffs speckled with rainbow-hued minerals that surround it.